The recruiting reach of the University of Buffalo men’s basketball may be undergoing some adjustments. That doesn’t mean the Bulls will change their approach on the floor.

“We definitely keep that chip on our shoulder,” Bulls senior guard CJ Massinburg said during Thursday’s press conference prior to NCAA Tournament opening round action in the West Region. “Our coaching staff and the media, whatever, pay attention to how the professionals pick us. Some people are picking us to the Final Four, some people picking us to get popped in the first round. We’re definitely humble and we’re going to keep that chip on our shoulder and know that nothing is given.”

With four junior college transfers on the roster, UB has reached the NCAA Tournament for the second straight season and fourth in the last five years. Last year, Nate Oats, in his third year as head coach, led the Bulls to their first win in the Big Dance.

Buffalo Bulls head coach Nate Oats smiles during while watching his team during practice before the first round of the 2019 NCAA Tournament at BOK Center. (Photo: Brett Rojo-USA TODAY Sports)

“The things we sell the most obviously, we’ve been winning,” Oats said Thursday. “Kids want to be associated with winners. We go to the tournament, fourth in the last five years. Kids want to play in this tournament.”

With a 31-3 record this year, the Bulls share the top win-loss in the country with Houston. UB’s 58 wins over the past two seasons is tied for sixth in the nation.

And they are doing with a style that kids like to play.

Averaging nearly 85 points per game, UB ranks fifth in the nation with Gonzaga (88.8 PPG) leading the way. Per KenPom, their adjusted tempo (metric used to predict the number of possessions over 40 minutes against a team that plays at an average D-I pace) of 73.9 is the eighth fastest offense in the country.

“Our style of play is one kids want to play,” Oats said. “We play a style it’s open, lot more like the NBA guys. We’re big on player development. Guys are able to use what they work on in the gym. You build a relationship. That’s the bottom line, build relationships. Kids trust you, we’ll make them better.”

Don’t be confused, though, UB is still a group that gets after it on the defensive end. A program that gives out a Blue Collar Award (takes into consideration deflections, steals, blocks, defensive rebounds, loose balls, offensive rebounds, floor dives and charges taken), the Bulls limit opponents to 30.3 percent (20th in nation) while forcing nearly 16 turnovers (20th nation). MAC Defensive Player of the Year, Dontay Caruthers (East High), leads UB with 25 charges taken and a Blue Collar total of 559.